Child Custody Issues: When Your Spouse Plays Dirty

Child custody battles can bring out heated emotions from both parents.  Some manage to control their anger and jealousy, but others turn their feelings into devious actions intended to sway the case in their favor.  There are many different tactics that can be used against you in a custody dispute.  It is important to recognize when you or your child has been victimized so that you can inform the court of the situation.  Here are some common accusations that dishonest parents use.

Child Abuse
Perhaps the scariest of all false accusations are ones of child abuse.  These can range from neglect to physical or sexual abuse.  Making the matter more complicated is the fact that all of these claims are considered criminal activities.  It is important for victims of these allegations to document everything they can to prove their innocence.  No matter how ridiculous the claim may seem, the court is responsible for investigating any suggestion of child abuse activity.

Inappropriate Social Behavior
Another dirty tactic used against unsuspecting parents are claims involving social behaviors.  This encompasses things like infidelity, substance abuse, and questionable relationships.  The opposing parent may say that your social activities either cause direct harm to the child, or interfere with their growth and development.  Innocent parties can protect against this by providing character references, drug test results, and personal logs of social functions they have participated in.

Favoritism
The most common form of leverage that parents try to manipulate is the relationships with their children.  Many will attempt to coach their child into saying certain things, or offer rewards for behavior that alienates the other parent.  Any example of this activity can be considered tampering in a child custody case.  Parents who believe this is happening in their case should document as much evidence as possible and report it directly to their judge or case worker.

Unfortunately, custody cases can bring out the worst in some people.  Dishonest parents will try to gain any form of advantage they can, even if it is considered illegal.  Anyone who attempts to manipulate the outcome of their case with these methods risks losing their case and being prosecuted for criminal intent.  For those who feel they have been victimized by such tactics, the best advice is to keep a record of your daily activities and build a strong network of references to substantiate your innocence.

Is your custody case being tampered with?  Protect yourself and strengthen your case with the many helpful tips in 2008 Custody Strategies.